The Nation: The Army Turns 200

On June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army was born when the Second Continental
Congress authorized the recruitment of riflemen who, together with the
militiamen holding off the British in Boston, became the army of the
colonies. When George Washington assumed his command in Cambridge,
Mass., almost three weeks later, he found that "confusion and
disorder reigned in every department." The Army has come some way
since then, and U.S. military installations round the world plan to
mark the 200th anniversary this week with ceremonies and pageants.
Later Army exhibits will emphasize contributions made by the military
to civilian life.
These include...